First thoughts after monitor review -
comparing sets:
D300 with 70-300VR
and my second (about 4 years ago)
10D with 100-300L -
quality is about THE SAME
BTW - D300 come with AF totally dead - great competition effort Nikon
BTW, I am not familiar with a Canon 100-300mm "L" lens. Do you mean the Canon EF 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6 L IS USM? (In your signature it looks like you might have the Canon EF 100-300mm f/4.5-5.6 USM, which is not an "L" quality lens.)
... Because with one of the best Nikon lenses you "will" see an easily observable improvement in quality, and because we care.
The Nikon D300 is a very nice camera and it deserves some equally nice lenses, especially if you want to compare it to other cameras which do have great glass in the front.
I don't want to compare !!!
I just use photo equipment for work, some stuff are good, some aren't.
I prefer the best, but not for any cost
And for sure NOT for academic discussions.
D300, D70s, 10.5/2.8, 17-55/2.8, 24-85/2.8-4, 50/1.4, 70-200VR, 70-300VR, 60/2.8, SB800, SB80DX, SD8A, MB-D10 ...
XTi, G9, 16-35/2.8L, 100-300USM, 70-200/4L, 19-35, 580EX II, CP-E3, 500/8 ...
DSC-R1, HFL-F32X ... ; AG-DVX100B and stuff ... (I like this 10 years old signature :^)
I don't want to compare !!!
I just use photo equipment for work, some stuff are good, some aren't.
I prefer the best, but not for any cost
And for sure NOT for academic discussions.
Harry http://behret.smugmug.com/NANPA member How many photographers does it take to change a light bulb? 50. One to change the bulb, and forty-nine to say, "I could have done that better!"
What to do... I have a 2000 dollar budget... Go for a D2X? A Macbook Pro?
Or a D300????
Decisions, decisions...
That is, I want to have 2000 dollar by the time we come to the States in January... Then I will fly to a Fry...
Do you guys think it is a good move to look for a D2X now?
What to do... I have a 2000 dollar budget... Go for a D2X? A Macbook Pro?
Or a D300????
Decisions, decisions...
That is, I want to have 2000 dollar by the time we come to the States in January... Then I will fly to a Fry...
Do you guys think it is a good move to look for a D2X now?
The D2X is a terrific camera. Its only drawback is it's high ISO performance but even though it will do OK if you can nail the exposure. I just shot a banquet with it and was shooting from ISO 400-800 and the shots came out OK.
It has better IQ than the D300 at low ISOs (IMHO) and its built like a tank.
The prices should drop and there should be a flood of used D2Xs and D2Xs's for sale at reasonable prices.
Harry http://behret.smugmug.com/NANPA member How many photographers does it take to change a light bulb? 50. One to change the bulb, and forty-nine to say, "I could have done that better!"
The prices should drop and there should be a flood of used D2Xs and D2Xs's for sale at reasonable prices.[/QUOTE]
There is a lot already on Ebay... Ranging from 600 dollars to 2800... It seems that they are starting to throw with them. I suppose within a couple of months they won't get rid of them anymore.
I do have a D200 now, and the high ISO noise would be my biggest motive to swap. Of course, if you can get an otherwise quality camera for 500 dollar, there is not much you can loose...
I find it amazing that the D300 seems to sell like hot biscuits... 2000 dollar is a big amount. I will keep following this thread with big interest...
Thanks Harry for your insight.
I've played with the D300 three times now...the dusty living room shots, drinks with some friends and a few minutes at a horse event before I had to ride. I like it!
ISO 1600, 50mm F1.8, 1/80
ISO 1600, 50mm F4, 1/60, on board flash
Have any of you shot action with it yet? These were with the 70-200 2.8 VR. I used CH, AF-C, with the genius focus. I was a little scared because there was no focus point for me to be sure it was focusing where I wanted it to...but it seemed to understand....what do you guys think? Have you played with the focus modes?
I've played with the D300 three times now...the dusty living room shots, drinks with some friends and a few minutes at a horse event before I had to ride. I like it!
Like the shots. I have shot action with the focus mode on continuous and closest subject, with the D200, and it works very well for moving subjects.
I don't have a D300 yet, but the shots look clear. The D200 would have given noise for sure at 1600 with no flash.
I am very happy that Nikon finally did something about the noise.
Of course I keep wondering if I have noise because I am a bad photographer or whether it is the camera... I know people have pretty noiseless shots at high ISO either because their exposure is better or post processing. I am lousy with post processing in the noise level. I have tried apps, but I never seem to get rid of the noise without getting a weird picture... It has been my dream for a long time to have a camera that works better with the noise to start off with...
We might have found it... (without swapping to canon)
Not much time today, but here's a quick 200 iso shot using on board flash, handheld, comparing my in camera fine JPG to a NEF file edited in Photoshop CSIII ACR 4.3.
Liking the images from the new D300 alot.....just about to make me want to jump from my KM7D's to the D300......
As for the above pic.....Is this a bugged eyed mexican squirrel??:D
D300 HDR Noise Quest
The D300 is setting a new standard in noise reduction at high ISO.
I've been on several recent, extended wilderness shoots capturing HDR at Magic Hour with an older Nikon predecessor whose CCD sensor creates a lot of noise. Even with extensive digital imaging processing afterwards, noise remains a problem.
This led me to think about a quest which a present D300 owner may choose to perform to help us all in our understanding about its capabilities for noise reduction in high ISO.
Can someone please capture a ± 2 EV series of images at different ISOs on a tripod during Magic Hour (that hour around sunrise or sunset)? That would be as 0, -2, +2 images where your manual exposure meter suggests at least two or more f-stops of difference at constant aperture.
If histograms of these captures are also made available, that would enhance this quest immensely! Histograms would help us understand whether or not ACR correction can really fix some of these types of noise problems, whether images need to be discarded, or if the D300 can do a great job on this sort of complex capture.
Here's a lo-res final image from all this diligent digital work
I, and perhaps others, would like to see how well the D300 performs in such a taxing environment. I think responses to the quest would provide a final test on viability of such an expense.
To show why this is not an idle request, I've prepared an HDR noise reduction workshop using Bridge 2.1.1 and ACR 4.3. You can download it from www.geocompa.com/files/HDRnNoise.pdf
Congratulations to you new D300 owners!
Perhaps one of you might bless us with a response to this request?
Joe
[FONT="]As You Think, So Shall You BE... Rumi, 13th Century Persian Poet
The most interesting part of the review, in the humble opinion of this D70 owner, is this:
“Since the EXPEED processor leaves RAW data pretty much alone, other than applying some data compression or converting 14-bit color to 12-bit to save space (all options you can select), RAW files processed in the supplied ViewNX software don't get the full benefit of the processor's noise-reduction savvy. As a result, noise ratings for RAW images are noticeably higher than for JPEGs when using that utility. However, our test results confirm that the noise reduction algorithms in Nikon's RAW converter, Capture NX version 1.3, match or exceed the noise reduction capabilities of the EXPEED processor.”
Since I updated my version of NX to 1.3 last week, I quickly played with a couple noisy RAW images last night and so far I’m very pleased. Noise Reduction processing seems to be more effective, producing a sharper and cleaner image. 1.3 processes considerably faster too (compared to v1.1). I'll get an opportunity to play more over the holidays . . .
Harry http://behret.smugmug.com/NANPA member How many photographers does it take to change a light bulb? 50. One to change the bulb, and forty-nine to say, "I could have done that better!"
I got my own d300 today -- now I have to try to comprehend it, because it is a big leap from my old d70. Like the 12 vs 14 Raw settings?? Also, I only have CS2, maybe I'll stick with jpeg to start and avoid Raw completely for now; I don't like the idea of frustrations with trying to open Raw files. Although my CS2 handles d70 raw files fine. And what the hell is D-Lighting?? There have to be triple the buttons and wheels on the outside of the d300 compared to the d70.
I cant wait to get one myself this camera came at the right time while i was saving for a DSRL. I love film but it'll be nice not have to develop a roll everytime, but i guess i'll miss that anticipation as well.
I got my own d300 today -- now I have to try to comprehend it, because it is a big leap from my old d70. Like the 12 vs 14 Raw settings?? Also, I only have CS2, maybe I'll stick with jpeg to start and avoid Raw completely for now; I don't like the idea of frustrations with trying to open Raw files. Although my CS2 handles d70 raw files fine. And what the hell is D-Lighting?? There have to be triple the buttons and wheels on the outside of the d300 compared to the d70.
You can use capture NX to convert the raw files, and then send a TIFF to photoshop - I'm in the same boat as you as I have CS2. Capture comes with the cam; there's a license inside your box for you to load after downloading it. Though I've found it slow on my ancient comp.
I also upgraded from my (stolen) D70, and a week later I have to say I'm quite used to the cam already, at least enough for me. Don't get too overwhelmed. D-lighting, btw, is just a way of getting more detail in shadows.
Its a big improvement over my D200 too. How are you dealing with its learning curve?
Harry http://behret.smugmug.com/NANPA member How many photographers does it take to change a light bulb? 50. One to change the bulb, and forty-nine to say, "I could have done that better!"
Comments
BTW, I am not familiar with a Canon 100-300mm "L" lens. Do you mean the Canon EF 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6 L IS USM? (In your signature it looks like you might have the Canon EF 100-300mm f/4.5-5.6 USM, which is not an "L" quality lens.)
Moderator of the Cameras and Accessories forums
XTi, G9, 16-35/2.8L, 100-300USM, 70-200/4L, 19-35, 580EX II, CP-E3, 500/8 ...
DSC-R1, HFL-F32X ... ; AG-DVX100B and stuff ... (I like this 10 years old signature :^)
I don't want to compare !!!
I just use photo equipment for work, some stuff are good, some aren't.
I prefer the best, but not for any cost
And for sure NOT for academic discussions.
XTi, G9, 16-35/2.8L, 100-300USM, 70-200/4L, 19-35, 580EX II, CP-E3, 500/8 ...
DSC-R1, HFL-F32X ... ; AG-DVX100B and stuff ... (I like this 10 years old signature :^)
Wow! That is a lens I have never heard of or seen.
http://www.canon.com/camera-museum/camera/lens/ef/data/telephoto_zoom/ef_100~300_56l.html?p=2
Pretty cool!
Moderator of the Cameras and Accessories forums
Then why are you participating in this thread?
Probably because he has a D300.
http://behret.smugmug.com/ NANPA member
How many photographers does it take to change a light bulb? 50. One to change the bulb, and forty-nine to say, "I could have done that better!"
Or a D300????
Decisions, decisions...
That is, I want to have 2000 dollar by the time we come to the States in January... Then I will fly to a Fry...
Do you guys think it is a good move to look for a D2X now?
http://photocatseyes.net
http://www.zazzle.com/photocatseyes
The D2X is a terrific camera. Its only drawback is it's high ISO performance but even though it will do OK if you can nail the exposure. I just shot a banquet with it and was shooting from ISO 400-800 and the shots came out OK.
It has better IQ than the D300 at low ISOs (IMHO) and its built like a tank.
The prices should drop and there should be a flood of used D2Xs and D2Xs's for sale at reasonable prices.
http://behret.smugmug.com/ NANPA member
How many photographers does it take to change a light bulb? 50. One to change the bulb, and forty-nine to say, "I could have done that better!"
There is a lot already on Ebay... Ranging from 600 dollars to 2800... It seems that they are starting to throw with them. I suppose within a couple of months they won't get rid of them anymore.
I do have a D200 now, and the high ISO noise would be my biggest motive to swap. Of course, if you can get an otherwise quality camera for 500 dollar, there is not much you can loose...
I find it amazing that the D300 seems to sell like hot biscuits... 2000 dollar is a big amount. I will keep following this thread with big interest...
Thanks Harry for your insight.
http://photocatseyes.net
http://www.zazzle.com/photocatseyes
http://joves.smugmug.com/
ISO 1600, 50mm F1.8, 1/80
ISO 1600, 50mm F4, 1/60, on board flash
Have any of you shot action with it yet? These were with the 70-200 2.8 VR. I used CH, AF-C, with the genius focus. I was a little scared because there was no focus point for me to be sure it was focusing where I wanted it to...but it seemed to understand....what do you guys think? Have you played with the focus modes?
SmugMug Support Specialist - www.help.smugmug.com
http://www.phyxiusphotos.com
Equine Photography in Maryland - Dressage, Eventing, Hunters, Jumpers
http://photocatseyes.net
http://www.zazzle.com/photocatseyes
Liking the images from the new D300 alot.....just about to make me want to jump from my KM7D's to the D300......
As for the above pic.....Is this a bugged eyed mexican squirrel??:D
http://photocatseyes.net
http://www.zazzle.com/photocatseyes
The D300 is setting a new standard in noise reduction at high ISO.
I've been on several recent, extended wilderness shoots capturing HDR at Magic Hour with an older Nikon predecessor whose CCD sensor creates a lot of noise. Even with extensive digital imaging processing afterwards, noise remains a problem.
This led me to think about a quest which a present D300 owner may choose to perform to help us all in our understanding about its capabilities for noise reduction in high ISO.
Can someone please capture a ± 2 EV series of images at different ISOs on a tripod during Magic Hour (that hour around sunrise or sunset)? That would be as 0, -2, +2 images where your manual exposure meter suggests at least two or more f-stops of difference at constant aperture.
If histograms of these captures are also made available, that would enhance this quest immensely! Histograms would help us understand whether or not ACR correction can really fix some of these types of noise problems, whether images need to be discarded, or if the D300 can do a great job on this sort of complex capture.
Here's a lo-res final image from all this diligent digital work
I, and perhaps others, would like to see how well the D300 performs in such a taxing environment. I think responses to the quest would provide a final test on viability of such an expense.
To show why this is not an idle request, I've prepared an HDR noise reduction workshop using Bridge 2.1.1 and ACR 4.3. You can download it from
www.geocompa.com/files/HDRnNoise.pdf
Congratulations to you new D300 owners!
Perhaps one of you might bless us with a response to this request?
[FONT="]As You Think, So Shall You BE... Rumi, 13th Century Persian Poet
Award-Winning Photography, Workshop Instructor, Storyteller, Writer
[/FONT][FONT="]Blog: [/FONT][FONT="]Pathways of Light[/FONT]
[FONT="] Workshops: Creating Fine Art Magic[/FONT][FONT="]
Book: Paths of Light [/FONT]
[FONT="]Workshops: 2011 Lightroom 3 Workshops
[/FONT][FONT="]Galleries, Bisti Art
[/FONT]
SmugMug Support Specialist - www.help.smugmug.com
http://www.phyxiusphotos.com
Equine Photography in Maryland - Dressage, Eventing, Hunters, Jumpers
ACR 4.3 is available now from the Adobe site...
[FONT="]As You Think, So Shall You BE... Rumi, 13th Century Persian Poet
Award-Winning Photography, Workshop Instructor, Storyteller, Writer
[/FONT][FONT="]Blog: [/FONT][FONT="]Pathways of Light[/FONT]
[FONT="] Workshops: Creating Fine Art Magic[/FONT][FONT="]
Book: Paths of Light [/FONT]
[FONT="]Workshops: 2011 Lightroom 3 Workshops
[/FONT][FONT="]Galleries, Bisti Art
[/FONT]
SmugMug Support Specialist - www.help.smugmug.com
http://www.phyxiusphotos.com
Equine Photography in Maryland - Dressage, Eventing, Hunters, Jumpers
Nikon defines "pro" glass in their lineup as any lens with a constant aperture. So yes, they do have pro glass.
http://cusac.smugmug.com
http://www.popphoto.com/cameras/4911/camera-test-nikon-d300.html
Plus I just got mine.
http://cusac.smugmug.com
The most interesting part of the review, in the humble opinion of this D70 owner, is this:
“Since the EXPEED processor leaves RAW data pretty much alone, other than applying some data compression or converting 14-bit color to 12-bit to save space (all options you can select), RAW files processed in the supplied ViewNX software don't get the full benefit of the processor's noise-reduction savvy. As a result, noise ratings for RAW images are noticeably higher than for JPEGs when using that utility. However, our test results confirm that the noise reduction algorithms in Nikon's RAW converter, Capture NX version 1.3, match or exceed the noise reduction capabilities of the EXPEED processor.”
Since I updated my version of NX to 1.3 last week, I quickly played with a couple noisy RAW images last night and so far I’m very pleased. Noise Reduction processing seems to be more effective, producing a sharper and cleaner image. 1.3 processes considerably faster too (compared to v1.1). I'll get an opportunity to play more over the holidays . . .
http://behret.smugmug.com/ NANPA member
How many photographers does it take to change a light bulb? 50. One to change the bulb, and forty-nine to say, "I could have done that better!"
www.steveboothphotography.com
Pool/Billiards specific...
www.poolinaction.com
You can use capture NX to convert the raw files, and then send a TIFF to photoshop - I'm in the same boat as you as I have CS2. Capture comes with the cam; there's a license inside your box for you to load after downloading it. Though I've found it slow on my ancient comp.
I also upgraded from my (stolen) D70, and a week later I have to say I'm quite used to the cam already, at least enough for me. Don't get too overwhelmed. D-lighting, btw, is just a way of getting more detail in shadows.
Good luck and have fun!
http://cusac.smugmug.com
This thing is a big improvement over my old D70.
Its a big improvement over my D200 too. How are you dealing with its learning curve?
http://behret.smugmug.com/ NANPA member
How many photographers does it take to change a light bulb? 50. One to change the bulb, and forty-nine to say, "I could have done that better!"
I've only had it for a few hours. Will report back.
It did have an AF problem at first, the same as others have reported, but it seems to be okay now.
Brian
http://photos.katzclix.com
blog - http://blog.katzclix.com